The number of foreigners entering China more than doubled in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year. According to the National Immigration Administration, 14.64 million foreigners entered the country between January and June, an increase of 152.7 percent year-on-year. This means that the visa-free regime introduced by Beijing after the pandemic has apparently been worthwhile for many countries – including Germany. It applies to more than a dozen European countries and Australia. Another 23 countries, including Thailand, have been exempt from the visa requirement by reciprocity since this year. Singaporeans and Malaysians can enter the country for up to 30 days each.